Placencia, who grew up in Lodi and has lived in Sacramento for more than a decade, always wanted to bring her favorite city home. Her new boutique--fittingly named Le Petit Paris--in Sacramento's Midtown Boutique District does just that. Her inventory runs from flea-market finds and charming toys to elegant handbags. This spring, Placencia is excited about her flirty scarves in tissuelike pastel silks and her ruffled, dotted bloomers for girls.
Scoping out such discoveries in Paris is just part of the city's draw. Placencia has always loved the people-watching too: "On the Metro, I'd notice how people were wearing their scarves, or look at jewelry trends and purses." She used her observations to choose gifts for friends, who encouraged her to open a shop. Now buying trips to Paris are family affairs, with 4-year-old daughter Bella just as excited as Placencia.